THE BIG DEBATE: Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been placed in a vulnerable situation after another crushing defeat on Sunday, and a number of managers have already been picked to succeed him.
Manchester United have decided to remain with Erik ten Hag for the time being, but the Dutchman is facing a critical week.
While Ten Hag and his team are still nursing their wounds after Sunday’s humiliating 3-0 defeat at home to Tottenham, United still have tough games against FC Porto and Aston Villa to come. The repercussions of failing to win those games might be disastrous for United’s troubled boss.
Following another demoralising performance, and with even more concerns being raised about Ten Hag, we asked the Mirror Football team who Manchester United could turn to next if they decide to break ways with the former Ajax manager…Daniel Orme
Kieran McKenna is the ideal choice to succeed Erik ten Hag.
The Ipswich manager has been an inspired appointment at Portman Road, and he understands how to instill a winning mentality, something the Red Devils urgently need right now. He also knows the club well, having previously worked as a coach at Old Trafford.
Given that McKenna recently signed a new deal this summer, convincing Ipswich to let him depart may be challenging. But he could be enticed to take on the post and would be an excellent choice if Ratcliffe decides to fire Ten Hag.
Mike Walters
Enough is enough, and Sir Jim’s politburo must choose between having fun and rebuilding in serious.
If the Ministry of Fun remains silent, how about Wayne Rooney raising morale as a symbol of brighter times?
If a gradual reconstruction under a trusted pair of hands is desired, Gareth Southgate – who was arguably the top candidate to replace Ten Hag until Euro 2024 intervened – would make United significantly more tough to play against and much more difficult to exploit through midfield.
Andy Dunn
While many United supporters might object, INEOS should consider Gareth Southgate, who is already close to Dan Ashworth and Sir Dave Brailsford.
Yes, Southgate’s previous club management experience was limited, but that was a long time ago.
Southgate worked with big players throughout his tenure in England and got the most out of them. He would undoubtedly have the United squad more structured than they were against Spurs, and, while many may regard him as an unassuming coach, he is an excellent communicator – with his players, the media, and the supporters.
Sure, many United fans are opposed to Southgate taking command, but I believe he will win them over.
Neil McLeman
Ineos believed there was no better option in the summer and hence excluded Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel. Now there are two options.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, a United great, was named as assistant manager in July and would be the most convenient short-term answer.
Gareth Southgate, who requested a sabbatical after England, now gets three months off. Manchester United, like the Three Lions in 2016, has to overhaul its culture in 2024.Mark Jones
Get rid. Go back in time to the summer and get rid of it then, if possible. Replace him with… er… perhaps Thomas Tuchel.
At the very least, he appears to be a strong enough character to stand up to underperforming players and release a handful who have been there far too long.
Simon Bird
Eddie Howe is the type of coach who could turn over United in a year and routinely finish in the top four. And he wouldn’t need much money.
Howe understands that under the existing regulations, he cannot compete with Newcastle’s best. Given the recent events on Tyneside, might he be convinced to leave St James’ and double his money at Old Trafford?David Anderson
The question of who should replace Erik ten Hag is more complicated, and I doubt Gareth Southgate would lead them to the Premier League or Champions League that United seek.
Southgate has many attributes as a guy and a coach, but he didn’t get the best out of England at Euro 2024, and I believe the same would be true at United.
Graham Potter is not good enough, and Thomas Tuchel would be fascinating, despite his strong personality, which may cause problems at United.
His replacement may be more of a concern, but there is little doubt that ten Hag should be removed.Dan Marsh
Thomas Tuchel may have drawbacks, but he possesses the intelligence and character necessary to turn Manchester United’s fortunes around on the field.
He appeared to be the greatest candidate when he was originally mentioned for the position, and Chelsea has yet to reap the benefits of removing him in the early days of the Boehly-Clearlake Premiership.
He is the most qualified contender for the position, and he is both available and appears to be within United’s reach. Bringing him in is a no-brainer.
